Nissan Leaf - a few questions to owners

Adam45

Hey folks,

I consider switching to EV and Nissan Leaf seems to be the most popular choice so far. I did some research on this subject but I would like to verify what uncle Google says with actual owners. Apologies if some of those questions were already answered search option on Boards isn't much help.

1. Is Nissan Leaf a reliable car? I realise there's no engine so no oil leaks, turbo issues, clutch problems, head gaskets, etc. However did you experience any failures?

2. Does it make more sense to buy a new Leaf in UK or Ireland?

3. How driving in a heavy traffic affects battery performance? I commute through M50 during rush hours so I'm concerned it might use more battery. I read on Nissan's website it actually shouldn't drain the battery but how does it work in practice?

4. What's the actual range you can do on one charge-up during the winter (mostly motorway drive) ?

5. I live in an apartment so I'm not able to install a house charger but I have a fast-charging station nearby. Does it really take 30mins to charge up to 80%? Apart from public chargers are there any other options for those who can't install house chargers?

6. How long will the battery remain charged if you leave it parked where you can't charge it? Let's say I go for two weeks holidays in the winter and I leave the car in the long-term car park at the airport. Will it be charged enough when I get back?

mordeith

Owner of a 131 first gen Leaf.

Adam45 wrote: »

Hey folks,

I consider switching to EV and Nissan Leaf seems to be the most popular choice so far. I did some research on this subject but I would like to verify what uncle Google says with actual owners. Apologies if some of those questions were already answered search option on Boards isn't much help.

1. Is Nissan Leaf a reliable car? I realise there's no engine so no oil leaks, turbo issues, clutch problems, head gaskets, etc. However did you experience any failures?

The master pressure sensor had to be replaced. Symptoms were triangle and break warning lights on the dash and unpredictable breaking pressure. Apart from that no issues and car is used every day for an albeit short commute. Used at weekends for driving to nearby town and occasionally into the city.

Adam45 wrote: »

3. How driving in a heavy traffic affects battery performance? I commute through M50 during rush hours so I'm concerned it might use more battery. I read on Nissan's website it actually shouldn't drain the battery but how does it work in practice?

My experience is range hardly depreciates at all in slow moving traffic thanks to low power use and constant breaking.

I'll leave other questions to owners of the newer models because I don't think it would worth it getting a 1st gen Leaf at this stage (unless you driving range is regularly pretty short).

KCross

Adam45 wrote: »

1. Is Nissan Leaf a reliable car? I realise there's no engine so no oil leaks, turbo issues, clutch problems, head gaskets, etc. However did you experience any failures?

Yes, if its a Sunderland Gen 1.5 Leaf. The earlier Gen 1 Leaf from Japan had some issues with parking brake that were costly to fix along with heaters issues.

The Gen 1.5 is generally a better car all round including battery being better. 132 or later is Gen 1.5. Another way to know is the presence of the Eco button on the steering wheel and a manual park brake by your foot rather than a button in the centre arm rest area.

The Gen 1.5 has some issues with uneven rear tyre wear which can only be fixed with an axle replacement. Some cars have it and some don't.... a bit hit and miss. Can be replaced under warranty. Other than that the Gen 1.5 seems fairly reliable but then again those cars are all still under warranty so its hard to know yet.

Adam45 wrote: »

2. Does it make more sense to buy a new Leaf in UK or Ireland?

I don't think there is much to gain by going to the UK for new. If buying secondhand then UK is the way to go due to choice and price.

Adam45 wrote: »

3. How driving in a heavy traffic affects battery performance? I commute through M50 during rush hours so I'm concerned it might use more battery. I read on Nissan's website it actually shouldn't drain the battery but how does it work in practice?

Heavy traffic has no effect on battery in the Gen 1.5 cars. The amount of battery used for heating and radio etc has little or no effect so when the car isn't moving the battery doesn't deplete to any noticeable amount.

Adam45 wrote: »

4. What's the actual range you can do on one charge-up during the winter (mostly motorway drive) ?

Depends on whether you buy the 24kWh or 30kWh Leaf. Rough guide is 100-120km and 160-180km respectively but it very much depends on your style of driving and how much of it is at motorway speed which is the biggest killer on range. You've mentioned a lot of slow M50 time so that will "help". The Gen 1 cars will be less than 100km at this stage due to battery degradation.

Adam45 wrote: »

5. I live in an apartment so I'm not able to install a house charger but I have a fast-charging station nearby. Does it really take 30mins to charge up to 80%? Apart from public chargers are there any other options for those who can't install house chargers?

This is going to be your biggest issue. Relying on public chargers on a daily basis is a reason not to go for EV at the moment, imo.

Charging is free at the moment but that is likely to change in 2018 so I'd at least wait until you get a clearer view of those charges before spending your hard earned cash on an EV.

Regardless of charges do you really want to waste 30mins of your day everyday at a charge point and thats assuming there isn't a car in the queue ahead of you so it could be an hour or more!

Adam45 wrote: »

6. How long will the battery remain charged if you leave it parked where you can't charge it? Let's say I go for two weeks holidays in the winter and I leave the car in the long-term car park at the airport. Will it be charged enough when I get back?

Over 2 weeks it will move, at most, 1%, so no issue there.


Can you state what your budget is and what your max daily mileage is?
(Don't give yearly mileage or averages... max daily mileage is what you need to know).

Adam45

KCross wrote: »

This is going to be your biggest issue. Relying on public chargers on a daily basis is a reason not to go for EV at the moment, imo.

Charging is free at the moment but that is likely to change in 2018 so I'd at least wait until you get a clearer view of those charges before spending your hard earned cash on an EV.

Regardless of charges do you really want to waste 30mins of your day everyday at a charge point and thats assuming there isn't a car in the queue ahead of you so it could be an hour or more!

Yes, it's true. That's what's been keeping me away from switching to EV so far. I commute 100km daily and occasionally I have to drive somewhere after work. So I do agree relying on public stations only isn't a great solution.

Gumbo

Adam45 wrote: »

Yes, it's true. That's what's been keeping me away from switching to EV so far. I commute 100km daily and occasionally I have to drive somewhere after work. So I do agree relying on public stations only isn't a great solution.

Can you talk to the management company about providing (even at your own expense) an outdoor socket. The grant cable will charge the car over night without any issues.

KCross

Adam45 wrote: »

Yes, it's true. That's what's been keeping me away from switching to EV so far. I commute 100km daily and occasionally I have to drive somewhere after work. So I do agree relying on public stations only isn't a great solution.

At 100km+ per day and no home charging you would be crazy to go EV at the moment, imo.


Some options...

1) As kceire suggested, talk to the apartment owners and see if you can get a charge point installed or at least a standard 3 pin outdoor socket.
2) Talk to your employer and see if you can get a charge point there.
3) Wait until longer range EV's (300km+) are available in your price range so that you only need to charge 2-3 times a week at a public charge point... and even then its going to be a PITA.


It also sounds like you need the 30kWh Leaf as you suggest that you do a base of 100km per day and then some extra after work.... that takes you into 30kWh Leaf territory so that limits you quite a bit in relation to price and volume of EV's available as the 30kWh Leaf only came out in 161 and they are relatively hard to find as they would not be off PCP yet.

stesaurus

You would be crazy, absolutely insane to rely on public chargers every day. If you can't get your workplace or management company to play ball then stick with the ice.

Gumbo

100km each way or 100km total?

You need some sort of work charge as back up unless you get a 30kwh version

liamog

I spent 9 months without a home charger. If you need to charge 2/3 times a week it's manageable if your doing more than that it would become a chore very quickly.

Adam45

kceire wrote: »

100km each way or 100km total?

You need some sort of work charge as back up unless you get a 30kwh version

It's 100km total.

I'll definitely look into work/home charging options before even thinking about getting EV seriously. Good to get some practical insights to consider

Shefwedfan

What budget have you got?

Adam45

Shefwedfan wrote: »

What budget have you got?

25K.

Orebro

Just want to add - do not get an EV if you are going to be depending on the public charging infrastructure, it'll break your heart the way it is at the moment. If you can sort out something at work / at home then go for it.

Snakeblood

I'm getting a car this weekend. I was just wondering, I'm gettign a charge card delivered from the north with the card, when I change the Registration on the car, does that mean my car will no longer charge with that card, or will any charge card work with any car?

Thanks!

Also JT_Dublin, if you're reading this, thanks! I think my private messaging is screwed.

Shefwedfan

Adam45 wrote: »

25K.

Why not Ioniq? Im sure you could be able to bargain a bit and get one close to that.

Walk in now and they will take your hand off with 25k
https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/hyundai/ioniq/used-2017-171-hyundai-ioniq-electric-kildare-fpa-3969870513690611710

Or a Zoe
https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/renault/zoe/used-2017-171-renault-zoe-dynamique-cork-fpa-5621899703322459357

Both of them I would prefer to the Leaf.

Don't restrict yourself to the Leaf, other options out there with better range and look a lot better

If you find something and want second hand I do recommend giving Electric Autos in Kildare a shout, google them. I have bought 2 cars off him this year and he is excellent.....

unkel

Snakeblood wrote: »

I'm getting a car this weekend. I was just wondering, I'm gettign a charge card delivered from the north with the card, when I change the Registration on the car, does that mean my car will no longer charge with that card, or will any charge card work with any car?

Any charge card will work with any car, in any of the 32 counties, north and south

If you got the budget of 25 K then seriously check out the BMW I3 Rex, even get a high spec one cheaper from the U.K if you can, it's much more powerful and tonnes of fun, the generator will ensure you can go about 100 Kms more, don't quote me on that. The I3 gives you the best of both worlds, 120-150 odd Kms range then another 100 odd from the generator.

If you want a leaf and can get a 30 Kwh then that's the one to get, 140 - 170 odd Kms range and charges faster than the 24 Kwh.

My Next EV will definitely not have 110-130 Kms range ! It wouldn;t be so bad but the fast charging is not very fast and increases 10-20 mins in the Cold for the 24 Kwh, I am not sure about the 30 Kwh, it charges faster at the fast chargers in general but unsure how the cold effects it, it does warm up faster which might help cold charging.

DrPhilG

If I had a €25k budget I wouldn't be buying any of the current generation. I'd be holding off for a year and getting a second hand 181 Leaf.

Of the current lot the Ioniq would be the pick of them but they're like hen's teeth to find and probably costing near enough the same new as second hand due to demand. But the new Leaf is just outside your budget so IMO it's worth the wait to pick up a nearly new one.

And if you can't wait OP then the I3 is the next best alternative, the generator ( Rex ) will make the world of difference when you need to go on a long drive. You have the option to fast charge or continue on, if you don't want to stop or if a charger is in use you can just continue on to the next one if needs be. A great option and you would not regret getting one if you could.

Shefwedfan

DrPhilG wrote: »

If I had a €25k budget I wouldn't be buying any of the current generation. I'd be holding off for a year and getting a second hand 181 Leaf.

Of the current lot the Ioniq would be the pick of them but they're like hen's teeth to find and probably costing near enough the same new as second hand due to demand. But the new Leaf is just outside your budget so IMO it's worth the wait to pick up a nearly new one.

On carzone the seem to have a couple of hens teeth......

With the way electric cars are moving in 12 months time you could be giving the same advice.....because in 24 months time VW will be releasing the ID.....Nissan should have 60 KW Leaf out the door....etc etc etc......

DrPhilG

Shefwedfan wrote: »

On carzone the seem to have a couple of hens teeth......

And like I said they're prohibitively expensive. Cheapest one listed on carzone is €27k and it's a 171! It's a great car, better than anything currently available.

But the next Leaf will be available new for probably not that much more in less than 6 months and with the UK market to choose from, some second hand cars will be around for well under that €27k in about a year.

Shefwedfan

DrPhilG wrote: »

And like I said they're prohibitively expensive. Cheapest one listed on carzone is €27k and it's a 171! It's a great car, better than anything currently available.

But the next Leaf will be available new for probably not that much more in less than 6 months and with the UK market to choose from, some second hand cars will be around for well under that €27k in about a year.

The new Leaf is nothing special to be honest, from the reports I have seen on a number of forum the proper new Leaf will be out 12 months after that and it will be a 60KW battery and use new battery technology......so in 12 months time the advice will be,.....oh if you wait 12 months and the new 60KW will be out and then UK market:p:p:p:p

I have mentioned a number of times the prices on carzone are a joke when it comes to electric cars, ring them up and tell them you want to buy this month and wait and you will see the price drop dramatically.....for a dealer to keep that car till next year they will lose a fortune

I was really hoping to get the Leaf in January, that's not going to happen and to make it worse it looks like it will be April/May before all the trims are available. The Limited edition is not the SVE and makes do with silly halogen lights FFS. No thanks.

Option 1 : Re-negotiate a cheaper lease for another year on the current leaf.

Option 2 : Get 2014/15 I3 Rex for some fun for a year and see what's around in 2019.

Option 3 : Ioniq if available.

Option 1 probably makes the most sense , I3 means getting bank loan over 3-5 years and trading it in 2019 leaving me with outstanding loan if I trade or sell private which could be hard. Loan over 5 years to minimise the amount I pay over the year.

23K loan from TSB would be 476 PM with 9% interest. 1K PM over 2 years would mean I own it with less interest paid. 2 K V 5.5 K interest. The Idea here is to keep the deposit for 2019, however if I buy to own I will have a deposit surely on the I3 which is worth a lot more 2nd hand than a Leaf in the first place. So I could put 10K of my own money to I3.

In that case I could also do the same to I3 S but that would not be the Rex and I'd have to keep it the 3 years. That's the problem with leasing.

Option 3 is my least preferred option. Ioniq is a good car but it doesn't really float my boat like the I3, Ioniq is a good but same as the leaf not so exciting car but it's got a good spec but can't order high spec and the 40 Kwh leaf will have more range of I were buying new.

There is one I3 on carzone for sale for a long time which doesn't inspire confidence in selling it 2nd hand though for 25K he's taking the P1ss, not even leather. What's the REME upgrade ?

https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/i3/used-2014-141-bmw-i3-range-extender-dublin-fpa-774407254143747644

Wow, if you're to borrow 37K over 5 years from TSB that's 8.5 K interest, over 3 years 5K interest.

Such a shower of thieves, not much has changed since 2015 when I got the Leaf, was about 11-12% then if I remember correctly.

BOI are doing 6.8% interest.